Four Seasons Chicago

By Jae-Ha Kim
October 4, 2013
jaehakim.com

Every year, my family and I like to enjoy a staycation in Chicago. For me, it’s a chance to revisit some of my old stomping grounds in the city where I grew up. And back when I worked at the Chicago Sun-Times, I interviewed a couple celebrities each week at posh hotels, but my favorite property was the Four Seasons.

Since our staycation this year fell on my birthday, we opted to spend our weekend at the Four Seasons hotel on Michigan Avenue. When we got to our room, there was a small tray full of goodies waiting for our son: chocolate milk, gummies and a shortbread cookie that was so delicious I wish I had hidden it to eat by myself when no one was looking. (Haha!)Also included was a coloring book, small stuffed animal and a tiny, plush robe to use during our stay.

#SonOfJae at the Four Seasons (Photo by DM jaehakim.com)

They had left a small complimentary T-shirt for our little guy, too. This came in particularly handy, since my son had forgotten to pack his PJs. What the heck? I gave him a list to check off (that he couldn’t read. Oops!).

Among the perks the hotel offered was a bedtime butler who’d come to read a story to your child. We took a pass on that, but said, “Yes, please!” to the complimentary visits from the Ice Cream Man. It was also nice to find a fully-stocked playroom that kept my little guy (and his dad!) occupied while I did some power shopping.

I know. You get it. I love this hotel. Yada yada yada.

So now for the reveal. I’m only slightly embarrassed to admit that one of the big draws of staying at the Four Seasons was that it’s located in the same building as Bloomingdale’s. To paraphrase a quote from “Friends” (after Rachel nabs a job at Saks Fifth Avenue): “It’s like the mother ship is calling you home.”

Yes, that’s how much I love Bloomies.

I am not one to spend money easily. I have no problem spending it on others, but I’m reticent to do that for myself — especially when it’s for something as indulgent as a luxury hotel. I’ve been fortunate enough to stay at some amazing properties around the world, but that was almost always because I was sent there for work. When I travel on my own dime, I tend to share James Denton‘s philosophy of staying at budget hotels.

However, there is something to be said for living it up every once in a while, savoring the moment and loosening up the purse strings a bit.

On our next road trip, we’ll be back to our motels and it’ll be just fine.

But, in our memories, we’ll always have the Four Seasons.

Just the Facts:

Four Seasons Hotel Chicago, 120 E. Delaware Place, Chicago, IL 60611 (312-280-8800)